Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a "behavior disorder originating in childhood in which the essential features are signs of developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although most individuals have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, one or the other pattern may be predominant. The disorder is more frequent in males than females. Onset is in childhood. Symptoms often attenuate during late adolescence although a minority experience the full complement of symptoms into mid-adulthood."[1][2][3]

ADHD occurs in adults also.[4]

There are significant adverse socioeconomic outcomes from ADHD.[5][6]

Etiology/cause

Twin studies suggest 76% of ADHD is inherited.[7] Abnormalities of biogenic amine receptors may contribute to ADHD.[7]

The relationship between childhood bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is uncertain.[8]

Treatment

The Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD randomized controlled trial concluded "for ADHD symptoms, our carefully crafted medication management was superior to behavioral treatment and to routine community care that included medication. Our combined treatment did not yield significantly greater benefits than medication management for core ADHD symptoms, but may have provided modest advantages for non-ADHD symptom and positive functioning outcomes."[9] The components of this trial included:[10]

  • Medications: "Were seen monthly for one-half hour at each medication visit. During the treatment visits, the prescribing physician spoke with the parent, met with the child, and sought to determine any concerns that the family might have regarding the medication or the child’s ADHD-related difficulties. The physicians, in addition, sought input from the teachers on a monthly basis."
  • Behavior: "Families met up to 35 times with a behavior therapist, mostly in group sessions. These therapists also made repeated visits to schools to consult with children’s teachers and to supervise a special aide assigned to each child in the group. In addition, children attended a special 8-week summer treatment program where they worked on academic, social, and sports skills, and where intensive behavioral therapy was delivered to assist children in improving their behavior"

Medications

Several stimulant medications are effective.[11] Stimulants work by blocking the dopamine transporter.[2] However, these drugs may increase cardiac complications.[12]

References

  1. Anonymous (2024), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Biederman J, Faraone SV (2005). "Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder". Lancet 366 (9481): 237–48. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66915-2. PMID 16023516. Research Blogging.
  3. Rappley MD (2005). "Clinical practice. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder". N. Engl. J. Med. 352 (2): 165–73. DOI:10.1056/NEJMcp032387. PMID 15647579. Research Blogging.
  4. Okie S (2006). "ADHD in adults". N. Engl. J. Med. 354 (25): 2637–41. DOI:10.1056/NEJMp068113. PMID 16790695. Research Blogging.
  5. Biederman J, Faraone SV (2006). "The effects of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on employment and household income". MedGenMed 8 (3): 12. PMID 17406154[e]
  6. Mannuzza S, Klein RG, Bessler A, Malloy P, Hynes ME (1997). "Educational and occupational outcome of hyperactive boys grown up". J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 36 (9): 1222–7. PMID 9291723[e]
  7. 7.0 7.1 Faraone SV, Perlis RH, Doyle AE, et al (2005). "Molecular genetics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder". Biol. Psychiatry 57 (11): 1313–23. DOI:10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.11.024. PMID 15950004. Research Blogging.
  8. Kuehn BM (March 2007). "Scientists probe child bipolar disorder". JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association 297 (11): 1181. DOI:10.1001/jama.297.11.1181. PMID 17374805. Research Blogging.
  9. (December 1999) "A 14-month randomized clinical trial of treatment strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The MTA Cooperative Group. Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD". Archives of general psychiatry 56 (12): 1073–86. PMID 10591283[e]
  10. Anonymous. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. National Institutes of Health.
  11. Pritchard D (2006). "Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children". Clin Evid (15): 331–44. PMID 16973014[e]
  12. Nissen SE (2006). "ADHD drugs and cardiovascular risk". N. Engl. J. Med. 354 (14): 1445–8. DOI:10.1056/NEJMp068049. PMID 16549404. Research Blogging.